I would probably die on the spot if I saw this in person.

[Dr.Girlfriend]

Authorities say the size of the Burmese python caught in Okeechobee County illustrates how well the destructive species can thrive in Florida.

The reptile that was captured and destroyed on private property Thursday measured in at 17 feet, 2 inches and weighed 207 pounds, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

"Its stomach contents were examined, but nothing identifiable was found inside,'' a news release said.

It did not have a microchip as required under Florida law for such creatures, considered "reptiles of concern."

The state wildlife agency launched a program July 17 that allows permitted reptile experts to capture and kill Burmese pythons on state-managed lands around the Everglades because the animals are considered an environmental threat.

Seven permits have been issued and five pythons have been captured, the release said.

"The capture of this large python shows us how well these snakes can thrive in the wild and create a dangerous situation after illegal release or escape," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said in a statement.

 

[Keggy]

I think I would die or pass out as well! O.M.G.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

It did not have a microchip as required under Florida law for such creatures, considered "reptiles of concern."

I think Florida has a LOT of "reptiles of concern"! In my mind, alligators and crocodiles also qualify as "concerning".

And yeah, I'm glad I didn't come across that guy!

 

[Disney-Kim]

those are the things nightmares are made of

 

[jen0610]

Die or pass out would occur if I came across that.

I don't do snake, big or small, but it is a shame that they had to destroy it. It's too bad that a zoo or wild life preserve couldn't have a chance to take it in. When my kids were younger, they would stand and watch the python our zoo has for several minutes. There is always a group of kids in front of the case, when we go.

 

[Rora]

I'd pass out. For sure.

 

[Heidict]

It did not have a microchip as required under Florida law for such creatures, considered "reptiles of concern."

This part cracked me up. So, I guess the python didn't get the memo? Will he face a fine for not having the microchip done "as required by law"?

 

[worm761]

I had a friend that had a pet snake that got to be around 15 feet. It became too much for her and she donated it to a petting zoo. He really was a good animal but there are laws about how big they can be. Though I have to say, that snake was a better deterrent from theft than a dog was. LOL.

 

[Stitchfans]

I think I would die or pass out as well! O.M.G.

The picture alone makes me

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

those are the things nightmares are made of

 

[crazyme5kids]

I don't know why, but when I looked at the picture I lifted my feet off of the floor .

 

[JerseyMamaBear]

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

'nuff said.

 

[Mom21]

I hate snakes and everything else creepy. I live in South Florida and have had snakes in my duaghter's hair in the pool: lizards are in our house almost everyday: I often joke we live in Jurassic park. I'm so sad to see that animal put to sleep. WHY? My dd saves every lizard and frog in our home (yes they are IN our home). Why did it need to be killed?

Edited to add: It really bothers me to see people that I assume to be vet techs smiling and laughing with the dead snake. I hate, hate, hate snakes, but really.....................

 

[Shutterbug]

These things have become a major problem in the everglades.
You probably have not see the photos of the one snake that tried to swallow an alligator after killing it. The snake ended up exploding with the alligator hanging out of it.
Truth

Just google "alligator snake"

 

[Feralpeg]

There has been a lot about this in the news lately. A lot of people have bought these exotic snakes only to turn them loose when they get to big to handle. Unfortunately, the snakes thrive in Florida. There is plenty of food, water and the temperatures are ideal for them.

The Florida government is afraid that they will propagate to the point that they will kill off native Florida wildlife. In addition, they are a danger to pets and humans. One of those large snakes could easily kill a child.

They recently put a bounty program in place to eliminate the snakes.

I'm not sure if the one pictured above is the same snake, but they talked about a guy wrestling a python for two hours the other day before he subdued and captured it. Not my idea of fun!

 

[mum4jenn]

I hate snakes and everything else creepy. I live in South Florida and have had snakes in my duaghter's hair in the pool: lizards are in our house almost everyday: I often joke we live in Jurassic park. I'm so sad to see that animal put to sleep. WHY? My dd saves every lizard and frog in our home (yes they are IN our home). Why did it need to be killed?

Edited to add: It really bothers me to see people that I assume to be vet techs smiling and laughing with the dead snake. I hate, hate, hate snakes, but really.....................

Maybe they are smiling because their PICTURE is being taken???

 

[SandrA9810]

Besides people releasing snakes, it's believed that hurricane andrew in 1992 destroys a storage area for the snakes at the Port.
The difference between alligators and pythons, we're envaders to the alligators... the snakes are envaders to the wildlife.
And 99% of anything alive can thrive in florida.... lots of rain, lots of sunshine, mild winters. Just because it can thrive here doesn't mean it belongs here.


I was also the official lizard catcher as well. But I have no heart for any cockroach, even after watching wall e. If you live in Florida, almost any bug will find it's way in at one point or another.
After one of the hurricanes in 2005 that knocked the power out. We were staying with Kari's parents and when I decided to go to the bathroom, I felt something "wet" hit my butt, I stood up to see a bright green frog in the toilet bowl. Every one was laughing at me cause I was freaking out, but none of them had it hit them in the rear end.

 

[DisMN]

*shiver* aww MAN!! *shiver again*

I hate snakes.